Hubballi’s Sadguru Siddharoodh Swamy Railway Station, home to the world’s longest railway platform, is set for a Rs 400 crore hi-tech upgrade, according to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. 

The proposal, prepared by South Western Railway (SWR), aims to modernise the station in Karnataka, and is awaiting submission to the Railway Board. The Minister also announced that efforts are being intensified to secure final Cabinet approval for the long-delayed Rs 17,000 crore Hubballi-Ankola railway line, which has now met compliance through a revised detailed project report (DPR). 

The line is expected to enhance regional connectivity and support the development of ports near Ankola, such as Belikeri, to promote trade and industrial growth in North Karnataka. Minister Joshi emphasised that these infrastructure projects will significantly boost commerce in the region, potentially surpassing existing transport routes by rail, road, and air. Meanwhile, a separate railway line between Dharwad and Belagavi is facing land acquisition hurdles.